Stars Strip for World Ocean Day

World Oceans Day is nearly upon us and stars have posed for a series of striking images for the campaign Fishlove to raise awareness of destructive fishing practices across the world.

Among the celebrities are Dame Judi Dench, Zoe Wanamaker and Kathy Lette.

Earlier this year a photograph of Helena Bonham Carter holding a giant tuna was published, and is widely credited with helping secure new marine life protections around Pitcairn Island, a group of four volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean. The 324,000 square miles of reserve will offer protection to some of the most pristine waters and coral reefs on Earth.

All fish in the photographs are commercially fished, some being overfished and threatened. Using these species highlights which fish could be lost if this overfishing continues.

Mike Walker of the NGO Pew Foundation said: “It would be difficult to over-estimate the importance of Fishlove to the campaign to end over-fishing in Europe. These images have played a significant part in what has been achieved over the past year.”

This year the theme for World Oceans Day, held on June 8th, is healthy oceans, healthy planet, with a special effort to reduce plastic pollution. People all over the world organise celebrations and events to help the cause.

To find an event near you click here. Events around the UK include a beach clean up in Hampshire, a day of recycled craft making in North Ayrshire, and a presentation on realising the potential of our oceans in London.

Buy seafood from the most responsible supermarkets – Sainsbury’s and M&S (gold), The Co-operative (silver) and Waitrose (bronze).

Check labels for fish caught responsibly – Fish with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) label are recognised by the Marine Conservation Society as a better environmental choice.

Avoid eating sharks or deepwater fish – These slow growing, long-lived species breed slowly and are therefore vulnerable to over-exploitation. Also fishing for deep sea fish can harm other sensitive species like coldwater coral that may never recover.